Composite coatings of S-HA nanoparticles and Schiff base on ZE21B alloy for stronger corrosion resistance and biological performance

•The composite coatings were successfully prepared onto the Mg alloy surface in a short time by sequentially spraying Schiff base and S-HA nanoparticles.•The Schiff bases/S-HA nanoparticle composite coatings can enhance the corrosion resistance of the Mg alloy.•The composite coatings can promote surface endothelialization of the Mg alloy, not only by improving EC growth, but also by regulating phenotypes of SMC and MA.•The composite coatings significantly enhance the hemocompatibility of the Mg alloy. In order to prolong the service time and enhance the biocompatibility of magnesium (Mg) alloys used for cardiovascular scaffolds, the composite coatings of Schiff base (corrosion inhibitor) and sulfonated hyaluronic acid (S-HA) nanoparticles (NP@S-HA) with different sulfur content (10.02 wt% and 11.55wt%) were prepared on ZE21B alloy by means of electrostatic spraying with spraying time of 0.5 min, 1.0 min and 1.5 min in this paper. Through a series of representations including corrosion experiments and biological characterization, the composite coatings with a sulfur content of 11.55wt% and a spray time of 1.0 min were finally picked due to its better comprehensive performances, which provides a new possibility for the surface modification of degradable Mg alloy cardiovascular scaffolds.